Notable Cases Cleared Through Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG)

Since its inception, forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) has cleared many high-profile and notorious criminal cases. This chapter focuses on cases that are prominent for what they can teach practitioners about the development of the field, particularly the ideas and practices that are pushing its limits, expanding its capabilities, and breaking new ground in forensic investigations. It looks at some of the oldest human remains identifications and criminal cases that have been cleared through FIGG. It then discusses cases that have been cleared using especially challenging DNA samples, such as highly degraded and very low copy number DNA. Next, it reviews some innovations in bioinformatics, including direct SNP-to-SNP comparison and forensic phenotyping, and how these techniques have been used to clear cases. This is followed by a discussion of innovations in traditional genealogical research that have broken new ground, as well as the use of FIGG to address miscarriages of justice.